Life After Dark: Book Two of the Dark Series

Chapter 62

Simone held the music box in one hand, while the other held the card which had been attached to it. She had read the card so many times that she had it memorized, but still she couldn't resist reading again, her son's thoughts and feelings written by his own hand.

"Dearest Mama,

With school starting soon and my part-time job,

I won't be able to spend as much time with you

as I did before. Please let the music of this box

keep you company when I'm not there. When

you hear the music, know that I'm thinking of you

and that I love you very much. Thank you for

everything you've done for me.

Love always,

Tommy"

She placed the music box in her lap, and then she carefully closed the card and put it back inside the envelope. She set the envelope on her bedside table where she would be sure to see it every morning when she woke up.

With the card stationed in a safe place, Simone leaned back against the bed. Her hands lifted the music box from her lap. She wanted to play it, but she wanted Tommy to be there when she did. She carefully turned it around and fingered the decorative trim. The pink box was covered with tiny ornate flowers. Pink flowers, white flowers, yellow flowers. So very pretty, Simone thought. Her son had good taste.

"Hi, Simone."

"Hi!" she said, surprised. "I didn't even hear you come in."

"I noticed," Gina said with a tight smile. "Want some company?"

"Always," Simone said, smiling. "Look at what Tommy gave me. Isn't it nice?"

"Yeah. It's very pretty," Gina said, moving to gaze out of the window.

"I haven't played it, yet. I'm waiting for Tommy so he can listen to it with me."

Gina kept her back to Simone as she nodded in response to her comment. Knowing that if they continued to talk about Tommy, she would break, she changed the subject. "Amy said that you and Dr. Quartermaine-"

"That Amy!" Simone said, exasperated. "One of the days, she's going to hear a few things from me about peeking into my life."

Gina laughed at Simone's heartfelt outburst. Turning to face Simone, she said, "So, what gives?"

"She offered me a job."

"That's great!" Gina exclaimed. Her expression changed when she saw the look on Simone's face. "You're not taking it?"

"I don't know," Simone sighed.

"Well, what's wrong? What kind of job is it?" Gina asked as she moved to sit beside Simone on her bed.

"She can't reinstate me as a pediatrician, but she said that I can assist in the Pediatrics' Ward. She said that in time, I could be reinstated."

"You'd just have to prove yourself," Gina said with a nod.

"Yeah. Something like that."

"But you don't want to?"

"I don't know, Gina. I was surprised and flattered by the offer, but I have reservations. I don't want to be controlled and that's what I see happening if I accept her offer," Simone said fiercely.

"Dr. Quartermaine isn't like that-"

"No, Monica isn't, but the hospital has its own set of rules and regulations-"